This is what is called adding lighter fluid to an already destructive fire.
The Giants were on their way to a 26-14 loss to the Saints, blowing a 14-3 lead by committing turnovers on four consecutive offensive possessions.
With 5:11 remaining, rookie Jaxson Dart looked to his right for Beaux Collins, an undrafted free agent wide receiver.
Dart put the ball where it needed to be but Collins stopped short on his route, allowing cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry to make his second interception of the game — consecutive turnover No. 5.
“First and foremost that’s a play that obviously can’t happen,’’ Collins said. “Won’t happen again. In the heat of the moment I was torn between continuing the run or whipping back out, because the corner cut me off. But in that instance I have to keep going and become a defender on that play.’’
This was a mistake born out of inexperience, a rookie mistake, if you will. Collins knew he let Dart down.
“It’s a horrible feeling, man, especially how the game was going at the time, I didn’t do anything to help make it better,’’ Collins said. “Coming off the field like that, my bad, man, that’s all you really can say. You really can’t give excuses or anything like that.’’
Collins, who started his college career at Clemson and finished up at Notre Dame, will get another chance.
The Giants need him. Malik Nabers (ACL) is out for the remainder of the season and Darius Slayton (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday night’s game against the Eagles.
The receiver options are Wan’Dale Robinson, Collins, Jalin Hyatt and most likely Lil’Jordan Humphrey, expected to be elevated off the practice squad. Kick returner Gunner Olszewski could also be used on offense.
“My coaches have told me that multiple times, they believe in the player that I am,’’ Collins said. “Trusting them and trusting myself and going out there and putting my best foot forward.’’
Rookie OLB Abdul Carter has eight quarterback hits, the same as Kayvon Thibodeaux and only one behind team leader Brian Burns. Carter, though, has only a half sack.
“When I watch film of myself, I focus mainly on the bad things I did, the bad plays I had, whether it’s technique or just things I could have done better,’’ Carter said. “I don’t really try to watch the good stuff too much. Obviously, I watch it, but you learn more from the bad. That’s what I try to do.’’
There is anticipation around the Giants that a Carter breakout is coming.
“I mean, the more you’re around the quarterback that’s positive and he’s around the quarterback a lot,’’ nose tackle Dexter Lawrence said. “You’re not gonna always get the sacks you want but the more you can affect him and allow him to feel you that positive and that’s what you want. He’s just got to keep going and don’t grow weary and I think that’s what he’s gonna do. He understands game day is war day. He’s got a good mindset.’’
Two Eagles starters on defense, DT Jalen Carter (heel) and LB Nakobe Dean (knee) are listed as questionable.
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